Domain Du Tariquet
In the land of Gascony, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees in South West France, there is a place like no other. A place where wine takes root : the Domaine du Tariquet. A family estate since 1912, over the years the successive generations have come to realize the potential of this exceptional winemaking estate. Initially they produced some great Bas-Armagnac. Next they planted some then-unfashionable grape varieties and created some surprising white wines, always letting nature do its work.
The clay- limestone soils and boulbene topsoil are enhanced by a sliver of ochre coloured sand known as “sables fauves”. The alchemy between the soils and the ocean mists in this area of south-west France with its highly specific climate and geography provides the gentle acidity, freshness and lightness of the Tariquet white wines. Sustainable growing methods, attention to detail, and permanent care from the vine to the bottle: at Tariquet, constant watch is kept over the aromatic character of our wines. A high level of technical mastery over quality and respect for the traditional values combine to give birth to adventurous, slightly offbeat wines.
The people who initially brought the estate to the fore were Hélène and Pierre, the grandparents. Two of their four children, Maïté and Yves, then gave Tariquet its true identity. With a visionary eye they made some strategic choices, Maïté fashioning the wine’s character and Yves listening to nature and observing the grapes. He knows the history of his vines. A generous, enthusiastic man, he wanted to share his taste for easy-drinking wines, wines which formed part of his winegrower’s soul. In his eyes, you could see all the day-to-day commitment and his love for the fruit yielded by the land. Yves’ children Armin and Rémy have now taken responsibility for the estate. Working in tandem, these two men of the earth share the same philosophy and passion as their father and have brought in the necessary developments to move the estate on to the next generation. Here, Man and the Land are as one.
Each grape variety is vinified with the greatest respect for the fruit – Ugni Blanc, Gros Manseng, Colombard, Sauvignon, Chenin and Chardonnay. Father and sons work together on the soils, the blend and the final selection. Respectful of the environment, the land and time, they know that if the grapes are picked at optimum ripeness, the natural outcome will be an explosion of wonderful aromas. Floral for Ugni Blanc, mineral for Chenin and Chardonnay, citrus for Sauvignon and honey for Gros Manseng. Opting for surprising blends, they create gourmet wines reminiscent of fresh spring flowers, ideal for any occasion.
These wines are never boring – they always have something to say. They are lively, fresh and mischievous. The Ugni Blanc -Colombard combination gives the wine a floral character complemented by exotic notes, making it ideal for fish and seafood dishes. The 4 Réserve is a magical, complex blend of contemporary and regional grape varieties. With citrus and spicy notes at the forefront, it is a mineral, opulent wine, just begging to be tried out in unusual food-wine combinations. Premières Grives are more subtle and intense wines. They are gourmet bottles to be served with white meat, blue cheeses and, of course, foie gras… As for Côté Tariquet, this is a mixture of identities: 50% Chardonnay, 50% Sauvignon. Its aromas are floral, mingling with spicy notes and developing towards hints of citrus. It is ideal with exotic cuisine. All these wines are highly expressive and will offer huge yet simple sensations.
Website: www.tariquet.com
